Your Pre-Operative Guide
Preparing for Surgery
Knowing exactly what to expect and how to prepare can significantly lower your anxiety and set the stage for a highly successful outcome. At Adelaide Knee Clinic, led by experienced orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Liptak, we treat surgical preparation as the official launch of your recovery journey.
Reaching your mobility goals requires a total team effort. Here, we outline the essential physical, medical, and practical steps you should take in the weeks leading up to your procedure to ensure your transition from hospital to home is smooth and safe.
1. Physical Preparation (‘Pre-hab’)
Rehabilitation doesn't just start after your operation - preparing your body beforehand can significantly improve your recovery timeline. Because every patient's joint health and physical baseline are unique, Dr Liptak will work closely with you to outline a personalised pre-hab plan. This tailored approach focuses on safely building up the supporting muscles around your knee and preserving your joint's flexibility before surgery to set the foundation for a smoother post-operative recovery.
2. Medical Optimisation & Checklist
Our clinical team will coordinate a comprehensive medical review prior to your admission date.
Pre-Admission Clinic
You may be required to attend a pre-admission appointment at the hospital, where a nursing team will complete routine baseline checks, such as blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing), and swabs.
Medication Review
During your consultation, we will review your current list of medications. You will receive precise, written instructions on which routine tablets to continue and which ones must be temporarily paused.
Managing Structural Medications
Certain medications can interfere with blood clotting and must be safely stopped a specific number of days prior to surgery under medical supervision.
3. Practical Home Preparation
Arranging your living space before you go into hospital prevents unnecessary physical strain and dramatically reduces your risk of accidental trips or falls during the early weeks of healing.
Clear the Pathways
Remove loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter from walking paths throughout your home to ensure ample room for a walking frame or crutches.
Modify Your Sitting Arrangements
Reaching low surfaces places high mechanical stress on a healing knee. Prioritise firm, stable chairs with armrests, and consider utilising a raised toilet seat or a stable shower chair in the bathroom.
Stock the Kitchen
Prepare and freeze nutritious meals in advance, or arrange for assistance with grocery shopping, so you do not have to stand for extended periods cooking.
Keep Essentials Within Reach
Set up your primary recovery area (such as your bedside table or favourite living room chair) with items you use frequently including your phone charger, reading materials, water bottle, and generic pain relief medications.arrange for assistance with grocery shopping, so you do not have to stand for extended periods cooking.
4. The Day Before & Day of Surgery
Fasting Instructions
The hospital or your anaesthetist will contact you directly with strict fasting guidelines regarding when you must stop eating solid foods and drinking clear fluids. Adhering to these rules is vital for a safe general or regional anaesthetic.
Hygiene Protocols
You may be instructed to shower using a specific antiseptic or antibacterial wash provided by the clinic or hospital to minimise the risk of superficial skin infections. Do not apply body lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or makeup on the morning of your surgery.
What to Pack
Bring your diagnostic imaging, comfortable loose clothing, flat slip-resistant shoes, your personal toiletries, and any mobility aids (like crutches) if you have already acquired them.
Take the Next Step in Planning Your Journey
Preparation ensures you remain completely in control of your health pathway. If you have any outstanding questions regarding your surgical admission, our Adelaide administrative team is here to assist.